Thursday, Mar. 11, 2010

MS Walk set for March 27

More than 395,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site.

Walkers are invited to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk March 27 at Golden Park in Columbus, which will benefit the National M.S. Society and the Georgia chapter.

“The walk is a chance to come together and raise funds and awareness and also to celebrate the hope for a future without M.S.,” said Jared Miley, M.S. Walk development manager of the Georgia chapter.

The M.S. Walk in Columbus is one of nine which will occur throughout Georgia between March and May and is one of three fundraisers the Georgia chapter hosts each year.

In 2009, walkers across the state raised $630,000, Miley said, and in the past five years walkers statewide have raised $3.9 million.

The money is used to provide financial assistance to patients with M.S. and their families, funding research and support groups, Miley said.

Walkers aren’t required to raise funds, but they are encouraged to, said SFC Terry Rafael, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Walk MS: Chattahoochee Valley community coordinator.

It doesn’t matter if it’s $5 or $50, every bit helps, said Rafael, whose wife, Cindy, was diagnosed with M.S. in 2003.

“I hope people walk away from the event feeling that they helped,” he said. Walkers who raise $100 will receive a free T-shirt. Money raised for the walk can be brought the day of the event.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. The Event is free.

To register, go to www.nationalmssociety.org or for more information, call Rafael at 334-704-3063.